Wath shool ordered by Ofsted to improve

A Wath school is still failing its pupils nine months after it was put into ‘special measures’ by Ofsted inspectors.

Ofsted inspectors said Wath Central Primary School is failing to address previous criticisms and blamed the leadership for its slow attempt to turn things around.

The government watchdog visited in February to check on progress after it was placed into special measures - the most serious category for failing schools - in June last year.

The previous report criticised behaviour, pupil safety, leadership and management, which were all said to be inadequate.

But little progress has been made since then, inspectors on their most recent visit ruled.

The report said: “Leaders have not acted with urgency to ensure that plans are implemented and reviewed regularly and this has slowed the pace of improvement.

“On occasion they have been deflected from their plan for improvement and additional initiatives have slowed progress.”

It added: “Teachers describe a fluctuating cycle of monitoring that can lack focus.

“The school is not making enough progress towards the removal of special measures.”

The inspection said that although the quality of teaching had improved ‘little of it is good’.

It went on to add that although plans were in place they were not being implemented properly by staff.

The report said: “A lack of steer from the headteacher and deputy headteacher, accompanied by ad-hoc monitoring, has resulted in a lack of focus and rigour and driving the school’s improvement.”

Headteacher Lisa Andrews said in a statement that staff were tackling the issues raised.

She added: “Actions are being taken by school to address the issues that were raised during the recent monitoring visit. We have a dedicated and hard-working staff team who are committed to ensuring that better progress is made towards our improvement objectives.”